Samarth Nagarkar is a Hindustani classical vocalist, known for his captivating performances and a traditionally rich music. Samarth features in several prominent music festivals and venues in India and the US. He has two albums titled ‘Pravah’ and ‘Pranali’ and a book, ‘Raga Sangeet’ to his credit. Samarth is Guru and Director of Acedemic Affairs at Chhandayan Center of Indian Music in New York and also frequently presents lectures and conducts lectures master-classes at schools/universities like MSM and NYU.

Trained under two of India’s most respected gurus and performers, Ulhas Kashalkar and Dinkar Kaikini, he is a former scholar of the ITC Sangeet Research Academy, Kolkata. Samarth was awarded a Fellowship by the Department of Culture, Government of India and was one of the youngest musicians to be adjudged winner of the prestigious All India Radio National Competitions at 19 years. Pursuing a full-fledged career as a performer, composer, teacher and author, Samarth is described by critics as one of today’s most prolific performers and an able torchbearer to the traditions he represents.

Dr Padmaja Suresh is a renowned Bharatanatyam dancer, teacher, researcher, social worker and choreographer. She hails from a family of artists and has been trained by prominent Gurus in dance and music. She is the disciple of Kalaimamani Guru K. Kalyanasundaram. A doctorate from Mysore University, Padmaja is imparting knowledge of dance through her institution - Atmalaya. Dr Padmaja has performed at major dance festivals throughout the country . She has visited many countries as a cultural ambassador delegated by the ICCR and others. Padmaja has penned articles in major news papers and journals.

She presents papers at major international conferences, including the World Sanskrit conference. Deeply spiritual and intellectual, her books Tantra the Science and Natya the Art- two faceted Reality and The Liberating dance Natya Tantra , have been well appreciated for the esoteric study of dance. Some of the Titles and Awards include Karamveer Chakra, Rex Global Fellow, Bharatakala Sreshtha, Nartana Nipuna, Singara Mani, Kiran Achiever for National Women's Excellence, Inspired Indian and Extraordinary Citizen of the City.

Chinmaya Kalaarangam is a platform to showcase Bala Vihar children's talents in the field of Indian classical arts. So many of our children have been learning these arts, and show incredible interest. This is an opportunity for them to perform on stage and grow their skills. As Chinmaya community, we should encourage these children, and hope that this performance opportunity will inspire them to continue to learn and perform.

Feel free to register for more than one performance! Entry Conditions1. You should be a current Bala Vihar Students in NJ, PA or NY area2. You should be learning Indian classical music or dance currently3. There is a registration fee of $20 per entry.

A one of a kind dance –discourse which tells the quintessence of SriAndal or Kothai and highlight her timeless works “Nachiyar Thirumozhi” and “Thiruppavai”. Dushyanth will render his Pravachanam/Discourse in English Ramya will visualize the essence and sentiments of Andal’s matchless love towards Lord Krishna through her works.

Shalmalee Joshi Learned initially with her mother Smt. Madhuri Kulkarni.She continued further learning with Pt. C. T. Mhaiskar (Chintubua), a renowned music teacher, and with Smt. Smt. Padma Talwalakar, renowned Hindustani vocalist.During this period Shalmalee acquired finer points and nuances of Jaipur-Atrauli, Kirana and Gwalior gayakis. Finally she continued her tutelage under Pt. Ratnakar Pai, senior exponent of Jaipur gharana.Shalmalee also learnt finer points of laya & taal from Pt. Suresh Talwalkar.

Shalmalee has been recipient of many awards and scholarships such asSurashi Kesarbai Kerkar Scholarships , Pt. K.G.Ginde Smruti Puraskar, etc.She has participated in all major music conferences andmusic Sabhas.

Shakir Khan is one of the most promising young exponents of the legendary Etawah Gharana, energetically following in the musical footsteps of his prodigious father and guru — the sitar maestro Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan. Indeed, Shakir represents the eighth generational link in an unbroken chain of musical talent and tradition poured exclusively into the sitar and surbahar. A chain that includes, besides Ustadji, the musical legacy of Ustad Aziz Khan (Shakir’s paternal grandfather), and that of the patriarchal surbaharist Ustad Wahid Khan (Shakir’s great grandfather). Great Ustad Vilayat Khan is his grand uncle.

Anirban Roy Chowdhury, a leading percussionists and rhythm drum - Tabla musician, belongs to renowned Punjab Gharana. He has trained extensively over more than two decades by late Ustad Alla Rakha Khan, and later from Pandit Yogesh Samsi and world-renowned Tabla legend, percussion virtuoso, Ustad Zakir Hussain.Anirban’s mastery of the Tabla and unique repertoire lend themselves to a dazzling sound both as a soloist, and as part of unique ensembles. He has performed globally with various artists of Indian and Western Classical, Jazz and global fusion genres. Currently based out of New Jersey/New York, Anirnab travels and performs all over the world. More about the artiste at www.anirbanroychowdhury.com